Five reasons to stay in… January

We’ll let you into a little secret. January is one of the best months to see the real ‘wild’ side of Cornwall. Yes you’ll have beach to yourself but there’s also still loads to do. Here’s our top five things to do:

Up until 25 January one of Cornwall’s most respected artists, Kurt Jackson, will be exhibiting at the National Maritime museum. Kurt is famed for his large canvas work and contemporary art which he produces from his studio in St Just drawing inspiration from the Cornish landscape.

Joining forces with the National Maritime Museum, the exhibition features a series of paintings, drawings, sculpture, supporting film footage and fishing artefacts which embracing the life and work of inshore fishermen in audio, film and handling objects. Kurt rarely exhibits so this is not to be missed.

2. Ice skating at Eden

Fear that you’ve missed out on all the festive fun in the run up to Christmas? Fear not. The Eden Project’s renowned skating rink is running until 22 February. There are even skating penguins for those a little wobbly on their skates to hold on to. Visit their online site to find out more.

3. Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Each year the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek expect to rehabilitate up to 60 seal pups. As most breeding activity occurs in September, January is one of the busiest months for seal pup call outs. The sanctuary’s hospital pools are often full so it’s the best time of the year to sneek a peak and them being rehabilitated and fattened up for release.

4. On your bike

Hop on to one of the most popular recreational bike routes in the country. The Camel Trail is an 18-mile, largely traffic free, trail which runs along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin and Wadebridge before running alongside the Camel Estuary to Padstow. It’s a great family ride and idyllically quiet this time of year – a paradise for birdwatchers. Bike hire is available at Padstow, Bodmin or Wadebridge. More information can be found on the council’s online website.

5. Lanhydrock Park Run

Every Saturday at 9am the Lanhydrock Estate near Bodmin host a timed 5k run. Winding through a beautiful route of National Trust parkland, woods and river-side trails the Lanhydrock Park Run is perfect for elite runners as well as beginners trying to keep up with a New Year’s resolution. It’s a free event but you must register before enter. Then undo all of your hard work at the end of the race with coffee and cake at the National Trust cafe in the car park.